As the Paris 2024 Olympics captivate the world with thrilling athletic feats and medal counts, another cherished tradition is quietly stealing the spotlight: pin trading. This beloved practice, which began with the first international Olympics in Athens in 1896, has evolved from simple cardboard badges into artistic, metallic collectibles that embody the spirit of the Games.
Pin trading is exactly what it sounds like—trading colorful, detailed pins among enthusiasts. The tradition was revitalized by Pierre de Coubertin, who introduced identification badges for participants in the early Olympics. Over time, these badges transformed into elaborate pins, becoming a staple of Olympic culture. Today, the Olympic Collectors’ House in the Park of Nations serves as a hub for this unique activity.
Diverse Pin Types
Pin collector Ed Schneider, a seasoned veteran of 14 Olympics including Paris 2024, explains the variety of pins available. Collectors can find National Olympic Committee (NOC) pins, media pins for press and broadcast, host city pins, sponsor pins, athlete pins, and mascot pins. Nicholas Wolaver, another avid collector, highlights the breadth of the pin trade, showcasing the array of pins up for grabs.
The pin trading in the Olympic Village is FOR REAL. @RazorbackTF Romaine Beckford has himself quite the collection. #WPS #Paris2024 #AlyssainParis #Nexstar pic.twitter.com/tanQS3tICF
— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) August 1, 2024
How To Get Involved
While pin trading is a fun and engaging aspect of the Olympics, it is taken seriously by collectors. Beginners are advised to be patient, avoid interrupting ongoing trades, and consider trading two pins for one—keeping one for their collection and trading the other. This strategy helps build a diverse and valuable collection.
first time Olympic pin trading 🙂 just walked around paris talking to people and ended up with these pic.twitter.com/Lj9doRSQqI
— andrew wang (@andr3w) July 30, 2024
Snoop Dogg Joins The Fun
This year, pin trading received a celebrity boost when Snoop Dogg entered the fray. The iconic rapper and Olympic torchbearer symbolically participated in the tradition by presenting a sleek, silver card design to American tennis star Coco Gauff. This gesture came as a token of appreciation for Gauff’s impressive performance before her elimination from the tournament.
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Pin trading remains a vibrant and integral part of the Olympic experience, blending tradition with artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the allure of Olympic pins continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the world.